ABBOTSBURY 117ao (4pts) lost to STURMINSTER AND HINTON 120-4 (18pts) by six wickets.

ABBOTSBURY are still searching for a first win of the season after a six-wicket reverse away to Sturminster & Hinton in County Division Four.

The Swans had built a solid platform at 93-4 thanks to a patient knock by Nick Kneebone (26) and a fluent 31 from Kynan Brian, but lost their last six wickets for just 24 runs.

Chris Reed (54no) then saw the visitors off with a calm innings, reaching his 50 with a straight six off Ashley Harrow (1-35) as the hosts won with seven overs to spare.

After winning the toss, Swans’ stand-in skipper Simon Pengelly’s decision to bat on a damp pitch instantly backfired as the opener was bowled by Andrew Beale (1-5) for a duck. Kneebone and Brian then joined forces after Frank Pittman (10) was caught in the covers, and the duo steadily led the away side to 46-2 after 23 overs.

When Kneebone was caught behind, the dangerous Chas Duerdoth (4) skied a catch to Reed off Ben Fowles (2-19), before Fowles then breached Brian’s defence.

Only Richard Deakin (14) reached double figures thereafter as Abbotsbury folded with AJ Rose (2-15) and David Lockyer (2-9) each snaring two wickets.

In reply, Pete Lawrence bowled well to record figures of (2-18) but Reed was in no mood to let the game slip as Sturminster & Hinton climbed to third with a comfortable victory.

Abbotsbury’s third successive loss of the campaign leaves them third from bottom, three points off the foot of the table.

The Swans next face Corfe Mullen at home on Saturday.